Modernizing today for tomorrow’s wastewater challenges
As a vital business and residential center, Silicon Valley requires a modern, state-of-the-art treatment plant to reliably clean its wastewater. The Facility is addressing this need through its Capital Improvement Program (CIP), rebuilding infrastructure worn from over 60 years of nonstop service, and updating treatment processes with exciting new technologies.

The CIP plans and carries out selected projects recommended by the 2013 Plant Master Plan, which envisions $2 billion in Facility investments over the next 30 years. Key CIP elements include:

Infrastructure rehabilitation at all stages of the treatment process for greater efficiency and reliability.

New, more efficient biosolids (sludge) dewatering and drying processes to better control odors and reduce the operational footprint.

New methods of generating energy to sustainably power Facility operations.

Highlighted Projects
CIP projects are “packaged” into groups based on process areas and interdependency. Using escalated costs, the projects scheduled to begin in the next 10 years (between 2014 and 2023) total approximately $1.4 billion.

The projects highlighted here are in the construction or post-construction phase:

Energy & Automation

Plant-wide Facilities

Liquids Processing

Solids Processing

Digester Gas Compressor Upgrade

Two new digester gas compressors replaced 40- year-old gas compressors that were at the end of their useful life.

Plant Instrument Air System Upgrade
The existing instrument air compressor system at the Secondary Blower and Nitrification Buildings will be upgraded with a new system, providing redundancy and back-up air supply to support operations in the event of an extended power loss.

Headworks Critical Improvements
Critical improvements will ensure the safety and reliability of the Headworks.

The City of San Joséis committed to open and honest government and strives to consistently meet the community’s expectations by providing excellent service, in a positive and timely manner, and in the full view of the public.